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Spine
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Synovial Cysts of the Spine

Degenerative Spine Conditions

A 67-year-old female presents with 8 months of progressive right L5 radiculopathy. MRI reveals a 12mm cystic lesion arising from the right L4-5 facet joint, extending into the lateral recess and compressing the L5 nerve root. There is Grade I spondylolisthesis at the same level. Regarding spinal synovial cysts:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Spinal synovial cysts arise from the facet joint capsule due to degenerative changes and increased j...

B

Clinical presentation includes radicular symptoms (90%), neurogenic claudication (30-40%), and rarel...

C

CT myelogram is contraindicated for synovial cysts; the cysts never communicate with the dural sac; ...

D

Conservative management including epidural steroid injections provides temporary relief in 50-80% of...

E

Surgical options include laminotomy with cyst excision (preserving facet), hemilaminectomy with part...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option